5 Amazing Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipes

A cup of hot cocoa is one of the most comforting things in the world, especially when your body is winter-chilled. It can even hold three times more antioxidants than green tea! Yes, you can get a large amount of chocolate antioxidants into your body by drinking hot cocoa. Like you needed an excuse? But it is necessary to use a healthier, preferably organic recipe. Many times you do not actually otherwise receive the extraordinary nutrients that are present in cocoa, due to too much processing and sugar.

Among the most popular store-bought brands of cocoa, you will find a lot of sugar and corn syrup, and the actual cocoa is wedged microscopically somewhere between the other artificial ingredients. But these ingredients are not even required for a simple cup of cocoa! Opt instead to make a delicious, gourmet cup of cocoa at home, by following these simple recipes and enjoy the benefit of your cup's healthy nutrients.

Traditional Hot Chocolate

This beverage includes chocolate pieces, coconut milk (or non-dairy milk of your choice), and vanilla beans, which will yield into a pleasant and enjoyable cup of hot chocolate.

Heat:

1 cup of milk in a saucepan to a boiling point

Add ½ vanilla bean

Let it simmer in the milk for about 10 minutes.

Strain the milk into a saucepan and heat it again

Cut the chocolate into small pieces and add the pieces into the milk.

Whisk it until it melts and becomes foamy. Serve and enjoy!

*According to your taste, you can add chocolate pieces. If you want thick drinking chocolate, then add about 3 ounces of dark chocolate.

Dried Plum Cocoa

This beverage is very thick and very chocolaty. It has no sugar. Instead, it is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals.

In a blender, add following ingredients:

1 cup of almond milk

3 medium plums

1/8 cup of cocoa powder

a dash of salt,

¼ tsp. of vanilla extract

After adding all the ingredients, blend them in the blender until very smooth. Pour the mixture into a pot and heat it carefully.

Coconut Hot Cocoa

This beverage does not include sugar either. It is very nutritious and delicious. It seems similar to coconut nirvana, and when you take a sip of this hot cocoa, you get a warm, wintry hint of the tropics. Simply add the following ingredients in a blender:

Canned coconut milk (3 tbsp.)

¾ cup of water

3 dates

3 teaspoons of cocoa powder

A pinch of cinnamon

After adding all the ingredients, blend them in a blender until very smooth. Pour the mixture into a pot and heat carefully.

Maple Cocoa

This beverage includes maple syrup, which not only helps you avoid processed sugar, but adds sweetness which results in an incredible, rich taste. In a medium size pot, put the following ingredients:

1 cup of soy milk

Cocoa powder (4 tsp.)

Maple syrup (1 tbsp.)

Vanilla extract (1 tsp.)

A dash of salt

Combine ingredients in a the pot. Heat it and whisk it until it is foamy.

Mexican Hot Cocoa

This beverage is inspired by the Mayans, whose chocolate beverage comes with a bitter and spicy taste. Mexican hot cocoa has a slight twist, as it includes chocolate and spice together. If you are curious to know how it tastes, just give it a try and you will forget all about foamy cappuccinos and sweet lattes.

In a medium size pot, combine all the following ingredients:

1 cup of milk, sugar (1 tbsp.)

Cocoa powder (4tsp.)

Vanilla extract (½tsp.)

A pinch of salt, cinnamon and cayenne.

Warm these ingredients on medium heat and whisk it until it is foamy. Serve at your desired temperature and enjoy!

You can always modify the proportions of these ingredients to adjust to your taste. Stay warm! Stay cozy!